Design of a unique open-geometry cylindrical Penning trap

The Texas A&M University Penning trap facility is an ion trap system currently under construction, and will be used for precision nuclear physics experiments with radioactive beams provided by the Cyclotron Institute. Its primary focus is to carry out experiments to search for possible scalar currents in T=2 superallowed β-delayed proton decays, which, if found, would be an indication of physics beyond the standard model. In addition, TAMUTRAP will provide a low-energy, spatially localized source of ions for various other applications. The experiment is centered around a unique, compensated cylindrical Penning trap that employs a specially optimized length/radius ratio in the electrode structure that is not used by any other facility. This allows the electrode structure to exhibit an unprecedented 90mm inner radius, which is larger than in any existing trap, while at the same time remaining a tractable overall length. The trap geometry was designed from first principles to be suitable for a wide range of nuclear physics experiments. In particular, the electrode structure allows for a near quadrupole electric field at the trap center, a feature necessary for performing precision mass measurements. ► A new Penning trap geometry was optimized for a wide variety of measurements. ► The design employs a new length/radius ratio for the electrode structure of 3.72. ► The inner radius of the structure will be 90mm, allowing for a very open geometry. ► Electric field coefficients are calculated to be competitive with other facilities. ► The trap will initially be used for precision ß-decay experiments.